Birdwatching in Costa Rica 06 Aug, 2025

Independent/Tailor-Made / Costa Rica

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Amazing Experience

Overview

Trip Overview

Special Offer Details

Embark on this captivating 10-day Costa Rican vacation and unravel the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most enthralling birding destinations. Book by 31 January 2025 and travel on 2025 to enjoy these savings

Embark on this captivating 10-day Costa Rican vacation and unravel the sights and sounds of one of the world’s most enthralling birding destinations. Begin just north of San Jose at the rustic Chayote Lodge, nestled on the outskirts of the Central Valley, before travelling to Topa Bacada.

Enjoy two nights in the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge and discover over 592 bird species across the beautiful 68 acres of authentic Costa Rican rainforest from the comfort of your premium bungalow or treehouse. Join experienced guides and explore rainforest trails as you search for incredible tropical birds in the lush canopy above.

Venture southwest to your premium rainforest lodge in Sarapiqui and marvel at the abundance of wildlife, from capuchin monkeys to keel-billed toucans. Embark on a private early morning birdwatching tour from the comfortable Selva Verde Lodge & Reserve and marvel at the symphony of sounds and the rainbow of tropical birds bringing the rainforest to life.

Continue to the Rancho Naturalista in Costa Rica’s Caribbean rainforest, one of the finest birdwatching lodges in Central America, renowned for its warm and friendly atmosphere. Search for hummingbirds, tanagers, toucans, and other incredible birds from a treetop balcony or the extensive trail system weaving through over 4.3 mi / 7 km of tropical forest on your afternoon birdwatching tour.

Conclude your Costa Rican adventure in San Gerardo de Dota. Enjoy two nights at the Saverge Hotel & Natural Reserve, your gateway to the extraordinary cloud forest. Set out with an experienced guide into the beautiful 400-hectare private nature reserve and embark on another incredible birdwatching adventure. Keep your eyes peeled for the electrically magnificent resplendent quetzal, as this region hosts the largest population of this elusive bird on the planet.

Highlights

Departures

Daily

 

Trip Includes

  • Private arrival and departure airport transfers
  • Private transfers between accommodations
  • 1 night in first-class accommodations near Alfaro Ruiz
  • 2 nights in moderate accommodations near Boca Tapada
  • 2 nights in moderate accommodations near Sarapiqui    
  • 2 nights in first-class accommodations near Turrialba
  • 2 nights in moderate accommodations near San Gerardo de Dota
  • Private-guided birdwatching tour at Maquenque Eco Lodge    
  • Private-guided birdwatching tour at Selva Verde Lodge    
  • Shared birdwatching tour at Rancho Naturalista    
  • Private-guided birdwatching tour at Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa    
  • Breakfast daily (excluding day 1), 1 lunch, 2 dinners 

 

Trip Excludes

  • Travel insurance    
  • International and domestic airfare & airfare taxes    
  • Meals and beverages not mentioned
  • Gratuities
  • Optional excursions
  • Items of a personal nature
  • Visa fees if applicable 

Summary

Terms and Conditions

Prices are "from" per person based on twin/double share accommodation and for travel in low season. Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply. Limited seat/spaces and all pricing is subject to change and availability. Rates for single or triple travellers are available on request - please inquire.

San Jose to undefined

 

Chayote Lodge

1 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Breakfast

Chayote Lodge lays in the outskirts of the mountainous central valley, located only 50 minutes away from San Jose Airport in Llano Bonito de Naranjo, and 1500 meters above sea level in the cloud forest. It boasts 12 spacious bungalows, most of which include a private terrace with a breathtaking view of Poas, Barva, and Irazu Volcanos, as well as the Central Valley and the Nicoya Gulf in the Pacific Ocean seen on clear days. Its strategic location right in the middle of Costa Rica is a perfect gateway to discover different national parks, waterfalls, coffee fields, rural villages, local artisans, as well as enjoy the local lifestyle by visiting homes, gardens and city parks within the vicinity.

Chayote Lodge

undefined to Boca Tapada

 

Maquenque Eco-Lodge & Tree Houses

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Maquenque Eco-Lodge & Tree Houses is the ideal place for nature lovers and those who wish to explore their senses. The Eco-lodge is strategically located inside the Maquenque National Wildlife Refuge, bordering the San Carlos River. The property has 15 Bungalows and 10 tree houses, each equipped with hot water (through solar panels), a private bathroom, a ceiling fan, closet, balcony with a beautiful view to a natural lagoon or to the tropical forest. They have 68 acres of rainforest, within which they have trails for you to enjoy independently or alongside a local guide. There is a great variety of flora and fauna, making this the perfect place for bird lovers. Currently, they have identified more than 592 species of birds.

Maquenque Eco-Lodge & Tree Houses

Boca Tapada to Sarapiqui

 

Selva Verde Lodge

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Selva Verde is a rainforest lodge, which is dedicated to educating its guests on the wonders and natural beauty of Costa Rica's tropical rainforest. It is adjacent to Braulio Carrillo National Park and La Selva Organization for Tropical Studies. The hotel features 45 well-maintained double rooms, a restaurant with a splendid view of the Sarapiqui River.

Selva Verde Lodge

Private Birdwatching Tour at Selva Verde Eco-Lodge & Rainforest Reserve

You will join a local naturalist guide for an early morning bird walk on the grounds of Selva Verde Lodge. The morning is a great time to spot birds since they are particularly active, so you can count on sighting several of the stunning tropical species that inhabit this beautiful property. Every day is different, but exciting. Your guide's expert knowledge of the area and its species, keen eye and a high-powered scope, is certain to afford you exceptional views of birds you might not otherwise spot.

Sarapiqui to Turrialba

 

Rancho Naturalista

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Full Board

Rancho Naturalista is famous for its warm, relaxed, friendly atmosphere, brilliant birding, good company, and delicious food served with the best fresh local ingredients. Meals are served family-style where guests share stories of their day on the trail. Over 450 species of birds have been recorded in their private forest reserve and within the local area. Hike the trails on your own, or alongside the excellent guides available on-site. The weather is almost perfect year-round, not too hot and not too cold. Make Rancho Naturalista the highlight of your trip to Costa Rica!

Rancho Naturalista

Today, you will enjoy an afternoon bird watching tour at Rancho Naturalista. The forest surrounding Rancho Naturalista is home to a wealth of bird species; from tanagers to toucans and manakins to antbirds and woodcreepers. The lodge garden has fruit feeders which attract a variety of bird species including Lesson's Motmots, Montezuma, Chestnut-headed Oropendolas, Grey-headed Chachalacas, Baltimore Orioles, several kinds of euphonias, and tanagers. The feeders also create great opportunities for bird photography. Besides birds, several mammals also visit the feeders and provide great close-up views. On the balcony at Rancho Naturalista, the hummingbird feeders are renowned for attracting many species. Some of the species possible are Violet-crowned Woodnymphs, White-necked Jacobins, Green Hermits, Green Thorntails, Violet Sabrewings, Bronze-tailed Plumeleteers, and Green-crowned Brilliants. On the Verbena Hedges at Rancho Naturalista, the Snowcap is a frequent visitor along with the Black-crested Coquette, the Violet-headed hummingbird, and the Garden Emerald. A unique feature offered at Rancho is the hummingbird pools where a variety of hummingbird species (including Snowcap and Purple-crowned Fairy) come to bathe. Also, other species besides Hummingbirds visit this area including the Tawny-throated Leaftosser, Dull-mantled Antbird, Great Tinamou, and many more.

Turrialba to San Gerardo de Dota

 

Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

2 Night Stay

Meal Plan: Buffet Breakfast

Savegre Hotel & Natural Reserve is a beautiful, 400 hectare Private Natural Reserve, found just a short distance from Los Quetzales National Park. This is an idea spot to explore the imposing Tropical Cloud Forest and those who love nature. The hotel offers twenty standard rooms (four units are connecting) and thirty-two junior suites including two rooms suitable for disabled guests. Savegre Hotel also offer different services to make the guest stay more pleasant: Los Robles Bar, Las Bromelias Restaurant, Del Rio Spa, all on-site to ensure an enjoyable and relaxing stay. Additionally, guests are welcome to participate in different activities accompanied by naturalist guides, including walks through the private nature reserve trails, and will also have access to Wi-Fi on the premises.

Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

Private Birdwatching Tour at Savegre Hotel Natural Reserve & Spa

From your base of operations at Savegre Hotel Nature Reserve and Spa, you will set out with a local guide to explore the incredible private reserve. The region is host to the largest population of Resplendent Quetzal's on the planet, though seeing one is not guaranteed. You will explore some of the reserves outstanding trails and private gardens in search of rare and elusive species. With the list of winged creatures spotted here often growing, the only question that remains is: what will you see on your exploration? After touring the reserve, you will be escorted back to the lodge.

San Gerardo de Dota to San Jose

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